In the heart of Rivers State’s political crisis Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current FCT minister, emerges as a formidable but silent figure, likened to a “sleeping tiger” by analysts. Okanlawon Gaffar, a legal expert, sounded a clarion call, cautioning Governor Siminalayi Fubara against presuming victory over his predecessor. Gaffar emphasized that Wike’s apparent tranquility should not be misconstrued as weakness; rather, it signifies a strategic pause in a game of political chess.
Gaffar elucidated on Wike’s political clout, tracing back to his inception into politics in 1999. Despite belonging to the opposition camp, Wike’s ascendancy to a ministerial post displays his shrewdness and influence. The analyst illuminated that while governors typically wield significant power within their states, Wike’s federal connections and experience as a past godfather bestow upon him a unique potency.
In his words, “Wike is an astute politician, well-versed in the nuances of the political arena. His current silence is not indicative of defeat but rather a calculated maneuver. He holds federal sway, a card he can play to unsettle Fubara. Having navigated similar terrain in the past, he understands both the art of winning and the sting of defeat.”
Highlighting Fubara’s political genesis under Wike’s tutelage, Gaffar stressed the symbiotic relationship between the two figures. Fubara’s elevation to the gubernatorial throne, orchestrated by Wike’s machinations, underscores the latter’s pivotal role in shaping Rivers’ political landscape. However, Gaffar cautioned that the same hand that elevated Fubara could potentially orchestrate his downfall.
The political skirmish takes a broader scope with the involvement of Tony Okocha, the APC caretaker chairman in Rivers state. Okocha’s critique of Fubara’s infrastructural endeavors drew ire, with accusations of misinformation hurled against him by the Pro-Democracy Coalition of Nigeria. The group lambasted Okocha as a purveyor of falsehoods, driven by a quest for media attention.
Amidst this tumult, voices from within the APC, including that of transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, have added fuel to the fire. Amaechi’s commentary on the state’s political turmoil further underscores the gravity of the situation, amplifying concerns over the stability of Rivers’ political landscape.
In response to these developments, Governor Fubara finds himself at a critical juncture. The cautionary words of analysts like Gaffar serve as a stark reminder of the intricate web of politics, where alliances shift and power dynamics evolve. Fubara’s tenure hangs in the balance, caught between the looming specter of Wike’s influence and the scrutiny of his own party.
